[Sancta Rosa]

Originally Posted by seremina

Sancta Rosa,

I'd appreciate a little guidance. What fabrics are good for what seasons? I don't know this information, I'm afraid. I've always judged by weight, not by fabric. But for habit-shopping, I clearly need to shop by fabric. So would you write up a little chart for me? I can copy it onto e-paper or paper.

You mention long-sleeved polo shirts. Are those better as undershirts for jumpers? I'm having a LOT of trouble finding modest, plain, no-text shirts that aren't hoodies. Hoodies aren't so bad, but I've never seen a summer one.

Well I'll do my best My absolutely for best sky blue habit is made from a heavyweight poly-something synthetic which is very practical because it doesn't crease easily and it always looks smart. BUT I would not want to work in it, - it is purely for formal occasions, going to Mass & etc. Marian light blues are teeeerrrific for attracting dirt which is why I mostly wear ordinary blue denim ankle length long jumpers over a light blue polo necked long sleeved 'T' shirt and an ankle length denim skirt for working in.
Presently I'm making a long jumper from light blue cotton drill for those more dressy working occasions and I'm waiting for some more lightweight canvas to arrive by post so I can make some good serviceable aprons.
I can sympathise about finding plain no-text shirts. Several times I've been digging about in a box at a charity shop and thought I've found a perfect shirt, only to find something garish spread across the front of it. Or one of those nasty little mock designer logos of a kind that can't be removed without ruining the garment.
Linen is nice to wear. I have a loose natural fibre linen jumper that came from a charity box, but normally linen would be out of the question for me due to the expense.

As to seasons I seem to have done alright this Winter wearing cotton drill and denim. When it's cold a good woollen pullover underneath does help though. I did finally order a new woollen habit supposedly for Winter, only it'll more than likely get here in time for Spring (Oy vey....). In Summer I find cotton or polycotton to be good for me and if it's cooler all I do is increase the layers.